Munish Sood
Mandi
Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the theft of lakhs of rupees from the main donation box (golak) of Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Mandi, with members of the Neeldhari Sangat accusing local authorities of failing to take timely action. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, representatives of the Sangat claimed that despite several days having passed since the incident was formally reported, no First Information Report (FIR) has yet been registered.
Historical Background of the Gurdwara
According to the Neeldhari Sangat, Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Mandi was established during 1967–68 by the Sangat under the spiritual leadership of the sect’s founder, Sant Harnam Singh Ji. Since its inception, the shrine and its associated properties have traditionally been administered by a managing committee elected through a democratic process by members of the Sangat.
The Sangat stated that donations offered by devotees are placed in the main golak and are typically opened and counted in the presence of the congregation on the first Sunday of every month. The collected amount is subsequently deposited in the Gurdwara’s account at the Indian Bank branch in Mandi.
Dispute Over Management and Property
Representatives of the Sangat alleged that over the past several months, Vishweshwar Singh, son of Bhagwan Singh, along with members of his family, has been interfering in the management of the Gurdwara and attempting to assert control over its properties. They claimed that a written complaint regarding this alleged interference was submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP), Mandi, on August 26, 2025.
The Sangat further alleged that the same family initiated construction on land belonging to the Gurdwara without authorization. In response, a complaint was filed with the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Mandi, on October 4, 2025.
Subsequently, the Municipal Commissioner reportedly issued an order on January 20, 2026, directing that the alleged illegal construction be demolished within 30 days. However, the Sangat claims that the order has not yet been implemented.
Donation Box Allegedly Broken Open
According to the Sangat, tensions arising from the dispute prevented the managing committee from opening the main golak after August 3, 2025. By March 2026, the amount inside the donation box was estimated to be between ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh.
Members of the Sangat further alleged that devotees had faced intimidation, including verbal abuse and threats of stone pelting, which they claim created an atmosphere that prevented normal management activities at the Gurdwara.
They alleged that the accused took advantage of the situation and broke open the lock of the main golak, removing the entire amount kept inside.
Sangat Alleges Administrative Inaction
The Sangat stated that they had submitted additional complaints to the SP Mandi in November 2025 and again on February 13, 2026, requesting intervention and legal action. However, they alleged that these complaints were not acted upon.
Following the alleged theft, a fresh complaint was reportedly submitted on March 11, 2026, in the presence of around 20 devotees, seeking immediate registration of an FIR and strict legal action against those responsible.
Members of the Sangat said that despite the seriousness of the allegations, no FIR has been registered, no investigation initiated, and no legal action taken so far.
Sangat Expresses Anger, Seeks Justice
Representatives of the Neeldhari Sangat stated that the alleged theft has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the community and has led to widespread resentment among devotees.
They said the press conference was convened to draw the attention of the police and administration to the issue and to demand immediate action. The Sangat has called for recovery of the allegedly stolen donation amount, registration of a criminal case, and strict legal action against those found responsible, while also ensuring protection of the Gurdwara’s property and the rights of the Sangat.
Accused Family Rejects Allegations
When contacted for their response, Sukhwinder Singh and Rangaranga Singh, sons of Vishweshwar Singh, denied the allegations. They stated that they are currently outside Mandi for the medical treatment of their ailing mother.
They said that after returning to Mandi and consulting their legal counsel, they would present their response to the media regarding the accusations made against their family.
